Recreation DivisionA wide variety of recreational and leisure programs are offered in the Gainesville community, including recreation centers, pools and athletics camps and programs. The Recreation Division conducts special programs for youth including Easter, Thanksgiving and Halloween festivities, Santa's Calling and the Track and Field Fun Day. A wide variety of organized athletic programs are offered for youth and adults. Approximately 75,000 people enjoyed recreational activities this year at our six City recreation centers, including square dancing, bridge, tumbling, table tennis, arts and crafts and more. A number of aquatics programs are also offered at the H. Spurgeon Cherry Pool at Westside Park, and at the Andrew R. Mickle, Sr. Pool on SE 15th Street. Extensive renovations are underway at the Northeast Dwight H. Hunter Pool on NE 14st Street.

Provided recreational activities to approximately 75,000 citizens through six City recreation centers, allowing individuals of all ages to enjoy activities such as square dancing, bridge, toddler programs, tumbling, table tennis, arts and crafts and more.

Provided expanded programming for seniors through the assistance of partners that provide services to seniors at no cost to the City.

Sponsored the Summer Nutrition Program, providing 360,000 meals and snacks for youth of needy families during the summer months. This year, the Division added a physical fitness, health and nutrition component to address the issue of obesity in children. The Division also established a partnership with UF Health Services Family Planning Division to provide free counseling services to parents and children in the City's after-school program who were in need of family assistance.

Enrolled over 425 middle school students in the Westside, Kanapaha, Ft. Clarke and Eastside Teen Zone programs, providing fun activities and performing service projects such as a tree planting. A successful partnership with Alachua County secured a 2-year federal appropriation of funds to expand the Teen Zone after-school program to Ft. Clarke Middle School. Porters Community Center lounge area was also converted into a billiard room to give local teenagers a safe location to gather.